Originally Posted By: Gary Allan
Hmm..I don't know, Jim. That is, I don't completely agree. Hot idle lifter ticks, while caused by some other issue (wear, dirt, etc.) are almost always related to viscosity ..otherwise they would show up when the oil is thicker. He may very well quiet the lifter with a heavier oil. OTOH, you may have to go too thick to do that.
I'd clean up the offending situation as my first choice.
Of course there are always "possibilities." In the 20 years I was a tech (most of them as an ASE Master), I ran across a lot of noisy hydraulic lifters on a variety of engines. Unless the car was neglected, where grunge might be a factor, 99 percent of the time an oil change or additives didn't help. It was usually something else. Oil can't put metal back onto a worn part. M1 is good oil and 5W30 is certainly viscous enough when you consider the car is spec'ed for 5W20. Presumably, it's been changed regularly and the owner uses a good filter. Like Gary said, a thicker oil MAY help a lifter that's leaking down excessively, but it's really masking the symptom and sooner or later, you are back to the same place. Plus, there are many OTHER things it could be besides a lifter, many of which sound similar. I'm not at all familiar with the Focus engine, so I can't offer any specifics on what that may be. If the owner is loathe to seeing a pro for an opinion, I suppose a more viscous grade of oil can be tried. Won't hurt and if it doesn't help, you're no worse off than the cost of an oil change. If it does work, without it being properly diagnosed, you don't know if it's just masking the symptom and worse lies ahead, or if it's going to be clear sailing ahead. Me, I like to know. That's why I can hop into anything I own (even my 23 year old pickup) and drive to Alaska without having to worry about making it. Well, maybe not the tractors... but you know what I mean!
< ). Also, a heavier oil is unlikely to cure a lifter problem. Nor would it be of much benefit overall in an engine that's basically in good shape. I think you would be fine sticking with what you have been using... a good quality synthetic oil. The noise is a separate issue that should be investigated by determining what mechanical part is failing. The chances that a different oil will cure any problem are remote IMO.
